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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Oct 2014
    Posts
    3

    Default What Law Stops My Ex-Employer from Keeping Personal Property Left at a Job Site

    I was working for a temp agency in California when my contract was terminated early. I was given no reason for this & I know of no problems at work. I was not told about this until I got home & received a call from the agency. When I asked how I was going to get the stuff I had left at the work site back I was told that I never should have brought any personal property to work & told I should consider it a lesson for the future. I was then told that I had signed paperwork saying I wouldn't contact the work site after the contract & if I called or visited them for any reason they would sue me for breach of contract.

    I have tried my best to work things out but I have been unable to get a reason for my termination or to get them to allow me to get my stuff back. The last time they told me that there is no law that says an employee's items have to be returned to them & unless I find one to stop calling them. I am sure this is wrong but have been unable to find anything on the internet that says what law is being broken. Can anyone tell me (as specifically as possible) what law says they have to return my property? The bridge is already burned with this agency so don't worry about that.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2013
    Posts
    18,340

    Default Re: What Law Stops My Ex-Employer from Keeping Personal Property Left at a Job Site

    In general, there are plenty of laws regarding theft and conversion.

    Consider suing your former employer in small claims court.

    You'll only be entitled to the used value of the property but, my guess is, they might reconsider letting you have your stuff back rather than hassle with a lawsuit.

    Sorry, but no "law" on earth will compel them to give your stuff back unless you sue them.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Posts
    16,474

    Default Re: What Law Stops My Ex-Employer from Keeping Personal Property Left at a Job Site

    Quote Quoting LCrown
    View Post
    I was working for a temp agency in California when my contract was terminated early. I was given no reason for this & I know of no problems at work. I was not told about this until I got home & received a call from the agency. When I asked how I was going to get the stuff I had left at the work site back I was told that I never should have brought any personal property to work & told I should consider it a lesson for the future. I was then told that I had signed paperwork saying I wouldn't contact the work site after the contract & if I called or visited them for any reason they would sue me for breach of contract.

    I have tried my best to work things out but I have been unable to get a reason for my termination or to get them to allow me to get my stuff back. The last time they told me that there is no law that says an employee's items have to be returned to them & unless I find one to stop calling them. I am sure this is wrong but have been unable to find anything on the internet that says what law is being broken. Can anyone tell me (as specifically as possible) what law says they have to return my property? The bridge is already burned with this agency so don't worry about that.
    The agency is attempting to stop you from contacting the company where you were actually working. I suspect that there is some dispute between the agency and the company and that is why they do not want you contacting the company. If I were in your shoes I would contact the company, explain that you left personal belongings there, and ask if you can pick them up.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Oct 2014
    Posts
    3

    Default Re: What Law Stops My Ex-Employer from Keeping Personal Property Left at a Job Site

    I was hoping to name a law to convince them not to force me to use to go to court. That will take a long time to get me my money & the item in question if far more valuable emotionally than than in value. What is the real value of my dead dad's coffee mug that is the only item I have from him? Surely somewhere there is a law against keeping employee property for no reason.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jun 2006
    Location
    Massachusetts
    Posts
    24,521

    Default Re: What Law Stops My Ex-Employer from Keeping Personal Property Left at a Job Site

    There is not a specific law that states, "Former employers must return all employee's personal property or allow them access to retrieve it" if that is what you are looking for.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Oct 2014
    Posts
    3

    Default Re: What Law Stops My Ex-Employer from Keeping Personal Property Left at a Job Site

    So far I have left a message with them, but have been unable to talk to someone directly or to have gotten an answer.

    - - - Updated - - -

    Quote Quoting cbg
    View Post
    There is not a specific law that states, "Former employers must return all employee's personal property or allow them access to retrieve it" if that is what you are looking for.
    That's what they are banking on. Any more general law I might be able to use or advice is greatly appreciated. From what I can tell the site is mad enough at the temp agency that they won't work with me. Plus I actually did sign paperwork barring me from contacting them for any reason.

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